“For digging,” he explained. “And burying bones. And for rolling around, if that’s what they want.”
Just then Kiko emerged from one of the doghouses and bounded across to her side, nearly bowling them both down in her enthusiasm. Larkin wrapped her arms around her dog and buried her face in the thick ruff.
“I’ve missed you so much.” A small whine drew her attention back to the doghouse. Peeking out from the shadows was another animal. “And who is this?” Kiko darted back to stand protectively beside the newcomer, a dog who appeared to be part yellow Lab and part golden retriever. “Youko, I presume?”
“She’s a rescue dog. Terrified of people, so I’m assuming she was abused. Kiko’s helping me socialize her.” He hesitated. “I’m hoping you’ll help, too.”
She stiffened. “A dog’s a big responsibility. A long-term commitment.”
“Fifteen. Twenty years, if we’re lucky. Of course, Kiko’s Pals will also be a long-term commitment.”
Larkin stared blankly. “Kiko’s Pals?”
“It’s the rescue organization we’re starting, if you’re willing. A charitable organization to help dogs like Kiko. I’m hoping you’ll run it.”
“You’ve started—” She broke off, fighting for control. “You did that for her? For us?”
“I’d do anything for the two of you,” he stated simply.
“I don’t understand,” she whispered. “I don’t understand any of this.”
“Then let me explain.”
This time he took her upstairs, pausing outside his bedroom door. Another plaque had been attached. This one read, “Den of the Big Bad Wolf and his Once in a Lifetime Mate.” He opened the door and stepped back, giving her the choice of entering or walking away.
She didn’t hesitate. She stepped across the threshold and straight into hope. He closed the door and she turned. In two swift steps he reached her side and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m so sorry, Larkin. I was an idiot. You’re nothing like Leigh and never could be. I’ve spent so many years protecting myself that I almost lost the only thing I’ve ever wanted. You.” He cupped her face and kissed her, losing himself in the scent and taste and feel of her. “I love you. I think I loved you from the first minute we touched.”
“Oh, Rafe.” She was laughing and crying at the same time. “I love you, too.”
He pulled back. “I still want you to be my temporary fiancée.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You do, huh?”
“Definitely. A very temporary fiancée, followed by a very long-term wife.” He swung her into his arms and carried her to the bed. “You’ll have to remind me where we left off. It’s been so long I can’t quite remember.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and feathered a kiss across his mouth. “I’ll see what I can do to refresh your memory.”
“Nope. We can’t do that. Not without breaking my promise to Primo.”
He fumbled for something on the dressing table. Taking her hand in his, he slid her engagement ring on her finger, back where it belonged. The heat of The Inferno flared between them and even though he didn’t acknowledge it aloud, she could see the acceptance in his eyes.
“It would seem this is the perfect ring after all,” he told her.
“And why is that?” she asked, even though she already knew.
“Your ring is named Once in a Lifetime, which is fitting because if there’s one thing you’ve taught me—” he kissed her long and hard “—it’s that wolves mate for life.”